BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Richard Nankivell dies age 75 after a short illness

BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Richard Nankivell has died age 75 after a short illness, it was announced on Tuesday. 

The broadcaster joined the station in 1992 and remained until his retirement in 2015. 

In an update shared to Radio Cumbria's Facebook, they shared the sad news alongside a heartfelt tribute. 

It read: 'We are very sad to announce the death of one of BBC Radio Cumbria’s best-known presenters, Richard Nankivell, who has died aged 75 after a short illness. 

'He will be remembered fondly by listeners across Cumbria and beyond.' 

Richard, who was born in North Devon, trained as a livestock auctioneer before starting his broadcasting career with The British Forces Broadcasting Service in 1972.

He worked overseas in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Germany, Belize, The Falklands and the Gulf, presenting and producing programmes for 20 years, before moving back to the UK. 

Radio Cumbria's executive editor Chris Rick told the BBC: 'Richard's humour and brilliant understanding of radio made his shows very popular in Cumbria. 

'Richard, or Nanks as we all called him, was a much-loved colleague who was as funny and entertaining off air as he was on the radio. 

'Even though he retired over 10 years ago, he was still talked about fondly by the BBC Cumbria team with stories about the big personality that he was.'

He is survived by his wife Heather Wainwright, who is Radio Cumbria's breakfast newsreader. 

Sharing their condolences and fond memories of Richards fans commented on BBC Radio Cumbria's Facebook:  'Absolute legend, I loved listening to his show on Radio Cumbria when I worked a night shift'; 

'An amazing presenter. Unique and just knew how to create brilliant radio. He was also a lovely man. He’s left us with so many wonderful memories. Thank you Nanks'; 

'Such a distinctive voice on the Cumbrian airwaves, funny, clever fella, Rest in peace Nanks.'